# have a bad time of it

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/have-a-bad-time-of-it
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Synonym of have a rough time of it.

## Examples

- He is having a bad time of it at his new job.
- Since her car broke down and she lost her keys, she is really having a bad time of it today.
- After the sudden loss of his business, he had a bad time of it for several months while trying to rebuild his life.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.